Learn mental health

Physical health is only one part of what it takes to manage your wellbeing. Learning about mental health can help you build a better quality of life or may even allow you to assist others in their challenges. Discover how learning about mental health can improve your life and launch your career.

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A woman taking a mental health break by drinking a cup of tea while meditating in her home with her eyes closed.

Why learn mental health?

Mental health is an important part of wellbeing. Learning about mental health can give you important skills and tools to help improve your circumstances. If you have a heart for helping others, education in the field can also give you a strong start towards a rewarding career.

Mental health professionals work in various settings, including healthcare centers, schools, and private practice. Education and certification requirements vary based on your role, with some positions requiring a bachelor's degree and others requiring a master's and licensure or certification.

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Choosing the right mental health program for you

There are multiple learning paths for mental health, depending on your goals. Explore the following options to find the right one for you.

Courses

Single courses and course series can introduce you to important mental health principles and tools. If you want to explore the mental health field, a course can be a great starting point. These programs may also dive into specific topics, which can help practicing mental health professionals build their knowledge and skills.

Certifications

Certifications deliver a credential that demonstrates your expertise and skill level for potential employers. These programs may help you qualify for entry-level jobs in the field.

Executive education programs

If you currently hold a leadership role in your workplace, an executive education program could be a good path. These programs teach mental health concepts and may focus on specific industries, making it easy to apply your knowledge in your current role.

Degrees

Those pursuing a career in the mental health field might benefit from enrolling in a degree program. While a bachelor's degree may prepare you for entry-level positions, most clinical mental health roles require you to hold a master's or doctorate degree. These advanced degrees can open up opportunities in counseling, healthcare, or education.

Jobs in mental health

Jobs for mental health professionals span a variety of industries. Here are a few to consider.

Psychologist

Psychologists study the behavior and mental processes of individuals or groups. They gather information through studies and tests to help people and organizations improve their wellbeing and day-to-day lives.

Required education: Master's or doctoral degree and state licensure
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023): $92,740

School or career counselor

School or career counselors assist students with developing social and academic skills to support their career goals. They may evaluate student needs and direct them to resources to help them succeed.

Required education: Master's degree and state licensure
BLS median annual salary (2023): $61,710

Psychiatric technician

Psychiatric technicians are a type of mental health technician who assists and cares for individuals with developmental disabilities or mental health conditions. These professionals work in healthcare settings such as psychiatric hospitals, substance use treatment centers, or residential health facilities.

Required education: Post-secondary certificate and sometimes state licensure
BLS median annual salary (2023): $39,700

Marriage and family therapist

Marriage and family therapists approach therapy and counseling from the context of partnerships and the family. They develop treatment plans to help couples and families work through challenges or changes in their family dynamic.

Required education: Master's degree and state licensure
BLS median annual salary (2023): $58,510

Learn mental health online with edX

Explore how edX can help you begin your journey learning mental health. Sign up for an online course or enroll in a degree program.

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FAQs about mental health

Why should I learn mental health?

If you are passionate about wellness, learning about mental health can be rewarding. Knowledge of the topic can not only help you pursue a career in the field but can also help you build essential skills for your own wellbeing.

How long does it take to learn mental health?

The amount of time it takes to learn mental health depends on your education path and goals. If you want to explore the field to improve your own mental health, a course could take you a few weeks to complete. If you want to pursue a career as a counselor or psychologist, you will need to earn a master's or doctoral degree, which could take you 2-7 years to complete.

How hard is it to learn mental health?

Learning about mental health doesn't have to be difficult. You can learn foundational topics in just a few weeks or commit to a degree program to launch a career. The difficulty of learning mental health often depends on your knowledge base and how much time you have to dedicate to the subject.